This newspaper clipping was collected by a member of the Bay Steamers Maritime Museum as a record of the long process to preserve and restore the steam tug Wattle. This article appeared in the newspaper ________ in 1980 to report that there were two historic vessels with a Victorian connection that were going to be saved from destruction by not-for-profit organisations. ST Wattle was to be saved by the Victorian Steamship Association and Alma Doepel by Sail and Adventure Limited and the Alma Supporters Club. This newspaper clipping is an important historic document as it records one of many instances of not-for-profit volutneer operated organisations saving important historic vessels as there are no alternatives in the government or private sector. The article records the first stages of a very long restoration period. In 2012 the Wattle and Alma Doepel continue to be in the process of restoration 30 years after this initital report. Admittedly, Wattle had many years of operation between 1980 and 2007 but this article does show how time consuming it is to preserve historic vessels and how important it is for volunteers to complete these restoration projects as there are limited options otherwise from the government or private sector.Black and white newspaper clipping outlining the recent plans to save the two historic vessels Steam Tug Wattle and sailing ship Alma Doepel. A large photoshoped image of the Wattle and Alma Doepel is at the top of the news article followed by a short section of text describing the history of the two vessels and the groups that are going to save them from detoriationst wattle, wattle, alma doepel, steam tug, sailing ship, victorian steamship association, williamstown, victorian, heritage, maritime, seaport, sail and adventure limited, alma doepel supporters club, bay steamers maritime museum, volunteers, restoration

This is one of two ship's wheels that are associated with the steam tug Wattle. This wooden wheel replaced the original steel wheel which was much larger and proved unwieldly.Wooden Ship's wheel with eight spoke handles and a central brass reinforcing plate. The wheel is constructed of mid brown timber. The outer wheel is constructed of short timber lengths inbetween the eight turned spokes. A central circular brass plate is rivetted in the middle to hold the wooden components together.wood, ships wheel, wattle, steering gear, steam tug, bay steamers maritime museum

Red cloth hard cover with clear contact covering, 1163 pagesFirst page, handwirtten in blue biro A Adams 1989 / 386,2770" Back page handwritten in blue biro A Adams, 1989 / 386 2770 ph.